7 questions
Samples and tech packs
Samples turn a design into an approved reference. A clear tech pack, a sample in the real fabric and written approval before production prevent most misunderstandings.
What is the sampling process step by step?
A first sample is made from your brief or tech pack, you give fit and detail comments, a corrected sample follows, and a size set or pre-production sample is approved before bulk production. The approved sample becomes the reference for production and inspection.
What is a tech pack and what must it include?
A technical document for one style: flat sketches front and back, a measurement chart with tolerances, fabric and trim specifications, colours, construction and stitching details, labels and packaging, and the size run. It lets a manufacturer quote and sample accurately.
What is a pre-production sample and why does it matter?
The last sample, made with the production fabric and trims, that you approve before bulk production begins. It confirms that the finished garment is what you expect and gives everyone one reference to check the bulk against.
What is a fit sample versus a size-set sample?
A fit sample is one garment, usually in one size, tried on a fit model to check how the style fits. A size-set sample is the style made in several sizes to check that grading works across the run.
How do you approve colours with lab dips and strike-offs?
A lab dip is a small piece of fabric dyed to match your colour reference. A strike-off is a small printed sample of a design. You approve them under consistent lighting against your reference before the fabric is made in bulk.
Will the sample match the bulk production?
It should when production uses the same fabric, trims and pattern as the approved sample, which stays the reference. Small shade differences between fabric lots can occur, so ask how lots are checked and approved.
What artwork formats are needed for labels and prints?
Vector files such as AI, EPS or PDF are preferred, with high-resolution PNG as a fallback. State the colours, the dimensions and the placement. Send text for care and composition labels per destination language.
General information, not legal or customs advice. Rules change and differ by country: confirm the details that apply to your shipment with your customs broker or importer.